Autonomous Waste Sorting and Segregation (Auto-SAS)

Concepts

• research and development
• cumbria
• waste analysis
• mixed nuclear waste
• nuclear waste handling
• radioactive waste
• specific radioactive waste material
• accurate segregation
• autonomous systems
• segregation

Location

Cumbria

Description

The NDA and its operating companies recognise that robotics and automation have a key role to play in reducing the time, cost and risk associated with our decommissioning mission. Auto-SAS aims to push the boundaries of robotic systems in the NDA group, acting as a steppingstone to the routine use of autonomous systems and continuous operations. An area where robotic technologies provide a significant opportunity is nuclear waste handling. The characterisation, sentencing and disposal of radioactive waste is complicated, time consuming and expensive. It also poses both conventional and radiological risks to workers. Ideally waste would be handled once, segregated at source to the most appropriate waste route, properly utilising the waste hierarchy. Safety measures, alongside resource, time and space constraints, make in-situ sentencing challenging, meaning that accurate segregation is not always possible. Auto-SAS will build upon the learning from the NDA funded Integrated Innovation for Nuclear Decommissioning – Sorting and Segregation (IIND-SAS) competition delivered through Innovate UK, which sought to demonstrate the feasibility of autonomous sort and segregation of mixed nuclear waste through the supply chain. Auto-SAS will go further by deploying an integrated system on a nuclear licenced site, for the sorting and segregation of specific radioactive waste material. The Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) Strategic Innovation Team will be responsible for the overall delivery of the project, supported by an integrated team from across the NDA group. Auto-SAS will be separated into two sequential phases. These phases are as follows:1. Off-site Design, Testing and Build2. On-Site Deployment and operationThe Autonomous Waste Sorting and Segregation (Auto-SAS) Innovation Partnership will be structured into 2 phases:• Phase 1: Off-Site Development - Design, manufacture, commission and test an integrated sorting and segregation platform, in line with the requirements in section 7. Iterate and prototype as necessary, and thoroughly test the system to give confidence of suitable performance when brought to site. This will be verified by a successful and thorough Factory Acceptance Test and compliance with the NRS Safety and Design Justification Process (shared at ITT). Facilitate stakeholder demonstrations of the developed platform.• Phase 2: On-Site Deployment - Install and commission the SAS platform developed offsite, including Site Acceptance Testing (SATs). Operate it for a number of cycles within a defined time period to achieve the learning outcomes in the learning plan. Assist in the decisions around further development and future uses of the developed platform.Estimated value Phase Maximum Budget Phase 1 – Off-Site Development £5,500,000Phase 2 – On-Site Deployment £4,000,000

Total Quantity or Scope

The Autonomous Waste Sorting and Segregation (Auto-SAS) Innovation Partnership will be structured into 2 phases:• Phase 1: Off-Site Development - Design, manufacture, commission and test an integrated sorting and segregation platform, in line with the requirements in section 7. … Assist in the decisions around further development and future uses of the developed platform.Estimated value Phase Maximum Budget Phase 1 – Off-Site Development £5,500,000Phase 2 – On-Site Deployment £4,000,000More information can be found here: https://one-nda.force.com/s/Welcome

CPV Codes

• 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
• 79723000 - Waste analysis services
• 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
• 42997300 - Industrial robots
• 79930000 - Specialty design services
• 79421200 - Project-design services other than for construction work

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• Renewals are not available.
• Financial restrictions apply.
• Professional qualifications are sought.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

https://one-nda.force.com/s/Welcome